City invited to attend annual Mindfulness event in association with The Flame

A CITYWIDE initiative to introduce more Coventry resident to ‘right mindfulness’ has been launched by mental health group ahead of its annual transformation event.

The Flame, Coventry’s mindfulness, holistic and wellness centre, was launched four years ago and has since helped to benefit the lives to more 13,250 residents by using calming techniques to combat stress and anxiety.

Last year, The Flame hosted a citywide mindfulness event at Coventry Cathedral – and this year’s event is expected to be just as productive as the world-famous cathedral hosts its second event on Saturday (September 24) from 6pm.

The event will include a speech from Dr Migual Farias, who specialises in the study of spiritual practices and beliefs, and also feature guest speakings from real life case studies who will share their experiences of The Flame.

Live music will be provided with the Belles of Three Spires and a rare glimpse of Mongolian singing with Xufie and Nav, before the highlight of the event – a collective mindfulness and compassion based meditation.

Ms Sanghera of The Flame said: “We are overwhelmed at the success and support for the events and the impact of this event on the health, mental and physical health of individuals.

“Every year we will give people the chance to be part of a unique and rewarding experience.

“The event offers individuals a chance to transform their life with right-mindfulness-based practices.

“It is a privilege to be able to host these events, especially at such a prestigious and iconic venue like Coventry Cathedral.”

Jo Wildsmith has personally benefited from The Flame after suffering from depression and anxiety when her son Evan had troubles with headaches and pain in his ears.

Speaking to The Observer, Jo said she has no regrets about attending Mindfulness and would advise anyone to not hesitate should they plan on coming along to the cathedral event.

She added: “I first went to the cathedral event last year and at the time my son was suffering from headaches and pain in his ears.

“I myself was suffering from depression and I’d explored all options including medication.

“Me and my son came along to mindfulness and within months both Evan and my health had improved dramatically.

“It had a huge impact on our lives, we went back every week and my anxiety and stress symptoms are almost non-existent in comparison to what it used to be like.

“At first I didn’t realise what Mindfulness was or what they actually do, however now I attend every week and do regular exercises at home to keep my body ticking.”

Jo’s son, ten-year-old Evan, has even brought The Flame into his classroom at school – and some pupils voiced their surprise at how effective results were.

Jo added: “Just try it and see what happens, I can almost guarantee whoever visits will come back again – it relaxes your mind, it’s magic.

“Evan’s turnaround has been incredible, he was so blown away and even invited mindfulness into his school where some of the children who were misbehaving had a session and incredibly there were signs their behaviour had improved after.

“We’ve been part of mindfulness for a year now and I wouldn’t go back.”

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